Chapter 5
Right now, it’s just a tiny embryo–without thoughts, without awareness.}
I couldn’t let this child be born.
Taking a deep breath, I checked the security feed at home on my phone and saw Onie sitting patiently by the door, waiting for me to
return.&
He looked heartbreakingly obedient.}
I softly called his name.§
Immediately, he barked twice in response and–like always–raised his rear end again.”
Tears welled up in my eyes.}
I wiped them away, then turned to Casey and gently took her hand.”
“This child came at the wrong time… We need to terminate the pregnancy.“}
“What?” Casey clutched her belly, her face pale with disbelief.”
“This is our first child! How could you say that? Martin, are you insane?! Do you even know the damage an abortion could do to me? You promised me–you said you’d take care of me and our child. Have you forgotten?“}
“I haven’t forgotten,” I said quietly. “But this child can’t stay.”
Without waiting for her response, I grabbed her phone and booked an appointment with the OB/GYN–one week from now.”
Casey completely broke down. She screamed at me hoarsely, “You called off the wedding just because your dog ‘lifted its butt,‘ and now you don’t even want the baby?!“}
“Why?!”
I turned my face away.
“What other reason could there be? Onie lifted his butt. So I can’t keep the child.”
Her eyes turned red with fury as she pointed a trembling finger at me.”
“You’re crazy. Really crazy! You’re giving up on me–on our child–for a damn dog?!”
“Yes,” said flatly. “I’ll be back to check on you when the day of the procedure comes.“}
A week later, I arrived at the hospital and personally wheeled Casey toward the obstetrics department.
My father caught wind of it and rushed inside in a rage.
“Ungrateful bastard!” he seethed as he slapped me hard across the face. Then he barked at the bodyguards nearby.”
“Seize him! Drag him back–don’t let him destroy himself any further!“}
“Don’t you dare!” I stepped back and glared at them. “If any of you come closer, I’ll hit Casey’s belly myself. The baby is only four weeks- her pregnancy isn’t stable anyway.”}
“You-!” My father was livid. “If you dare touch her, your mother and I will cut all ties with you! You’re no son of mine. I will disown you!“> “From this moment on, you are no longer the heir of the Ortega family. Don’t expect a single cent from us ever again!“}
People all around us were pointing and whispering, shaking their heads in disgust.
“This guy must be possessed. Giving up his child for a dog?“}
“So gross. Maybe he’s in love with the dog! Maybe that’s why he broke up with his girlfriend!“)
“Forget it. Even if the child is born, it’ll be unlucky. With a father like him, who knows what kind of life that kid will have.” Some were so worked up they cursed me to my face–one even spit at me.
I stood there, drowning in a sea of judgment, ridicule, and venom.§
Until a deep, commanding voice echoed through the chaos.
“None of you know the truth. If you don’t understand what really happened, you have no right to judge him!“} Everyone turned to look.
When I saw who it was–I finally smiled.
I could finally fight back.
